SAH

School of Arts & Humanities

Joint MA Degree: Religion and American Politics

In our increasingly complex world, where strict distinctions between fields of study continue to blur, this transdisciplinary program from CGU’s Religion department and School of Politics and Economics offers students the opportunity to investigate one of the most vexing issues of our time: What is religion’s role in the public sphere? Professionals from politicians and academics to journalists and leaders of humanitarian organizations confront the constant interplay of the two realms. The graduate program prepares students to approach these questions from the disciplinary perspectives of religious studies and political science.

MA Unit Requirements:

A minimum of 48 semester units of credit (12 courses), normally taken over two years. Within these parameters,
students are encouraged to craft a program to suit their individual needs. Beyond the required research methods courses and an introduction to religion and politics, they may choose from courses in both schools as well as courses in anthropology, literature, and history. Up to 10 related semester units may be transferred in upon approval.

Research Tools Requirement:

Students take two courses in research methods in Political Science and one in Theories of Religion. No foreign language is required.

Research Paper:

All students are to write at least one substantial course research paper dealing with religion and politics which will be reviewed by the Program Committee as part of the application for graduation.